My 12/9 year old boys and I went on a 2 day canoe trip down the James River with Twin River…read moreOutfitters in early Aug and it was awesome. We elected the glamping option to lighten our pack load and the site was extraordinary. Highly recommend this very professional company who delivered on everything they promised.

Found this place on a drive by while camping up in Natural Bridge. Did the tubing and it was a…read moregreat experience. As others have mentioned, wear shoes as the rocks are slick. Went 2 days after storms rolled through so the water wasn't clear, but the pace was great. Staff very receptive and stored keys for free so they don't get lost in the river. Will be back

We went canoeing today and had a wonderful experience! We got there a bit early (9:20) but they…read moreopened right on time at 9:30 for us to pick up our canoes. The drive over to the start of our day trip was pleasant in an air conditioned van and the guide driving us pointed out baby deer and an eagle's nest which was awesome. The canoeing day itself was beautiful and the trip was just the right length for us. There were four adults in our group-- I think with kids you would want to ask for a closer drop off point because it was a LOT of paddling. The canoes were nice and they helped us carry them down to the launch point and gave us a run down of the rapids we would pass which was helpful to avoid overly shallow or rocky areas. We were the only ones canoeing that day which was so nice! I would love to do this again in the fall when the leaves are changing!

Loved the rafting and the beautiful spot they have on the James River. The campground has very…read moreclean portable toilets. There is ample shade so during the hot summer months, you're sheltered from the sun. We camped right on the water at Campsite 6 hearing the river as we slept. We could have camped up a bit as the site is large. We could swim from the site. Floating down the James River rafting was super beautiful and relaxing. Any age can do this really. Water was low but still fun.

My 20-year old son and I were staying in Roanoke in May 2026 and decided to visit Carvins Cove…read moreNatural Reserve. When you drive into the main parking lot, a staff person will step out to collect a $7 per vehicle entry fee. Lots of pluses. First, the area has clean restrooms and a well-marked trail. Second, it's a peaceful and quiet setting as you walk along the Happy Valley trail. Third, we saw many kayakers on the lake and a few people fishing by the dock and along the left bank of the lake. However, I was surprised by the low level of lake water (you can see exposed rock). This is a family-friendly location to rent a kayak or take a peaceful walk along the reservoir.

We had seen this reservoir on a list of "natural" things to do in the Roanoke area so went to check…read moreit out. Fairly soon after crossing under I-81, the road becomes quite curvy and narrow. As you approach the park area, there's a $7/car fee, that goes to the Water Authority. (The reservoir supplies water for the city of Roanoke). We were there in mid-October, and the area was beautiful with the lake reflecting the colors of the changing leaves on the nearby hillside trees. There are many recreational opportunities from fishing on the piers, to renting single- or double-kayaks (through late October), and hiking the nearby trails. Clean restrooms are available.

Douthat is my 35th Virginia State park visit. Saturday I hiked 13 miles, just under 30,000 steps! I…read moreended up on trails that still had fog coverage! I started at Stony run and linked some trails together so I would circle back to the car. The trail started with ground rock, and after 7 creek crossings and some elevation, it turned into rocks and roots. Once I got up higher to the switchbacks, I'd been hiking two hours. It just kept going! At some places (Tuscarora point and Blue Suck) the path is on the edge of the mountain. If you trip, you're gone! I was happy to see each Route Marker Helped me to know my plan was working. Im going the right way. At one junction I asked Gemini the elevation I've claimed from Stony run trail head to the sign Im at right now. The answer was 1,740 feet. They had 2 waterfalls. I saw one on my way up and another on my way down. It was a tricke of water but it helped notate where I was on the map. From there, it was only were big large rocks to navigate for a good mile. Takes your energy away. I was so happy to see my car at the end! What an adventure. I did drive through the park before hiking and stopped at the camp store for a t-shirt for my grandson. I walked in shouted good morning. No response. Maybe she didn't hear me. I looked around and her younger, co worker came in. This woman started massive gossip about the girl who finally just quit. She dogged this girl the whole time I was there. Checked me out when buying my shirt and never said a word. I asked the younger girl if there was still a restaurant here and she was answering to say yes but its take out but that other woman snapped, "Its closed!" She needs to find happiness. Clearly she's not a happy person, at least, at work. I thanked the young girl and left. Super awesome park! I loved it!

Well-maintained and updated campgrounds! The friendliest and most helpful rangers! Simple…read moreamenities, yet so many options to relax and use the park Do not leave without watching Ranger Shelly perform her tricks!

My friend and I used Maury River Smallmouth for a spring float trip on the Maury River. Jamie is a…read moregreat guy. He's very nice, accommodating, and knows his stuff both smallmouth bass fishing in general and about the Maury River. I highly recommend him as a guide. If you need to rent kayaks he has very nice sit-on-top fishing kayaks available. Thank you for a great day on the water Jamie/MRS!

Visited in spring of '25. Our hosts were awesome and incredibly accommodating. The place is…read moregenuinely fabulous. If you like gravel biking, the Greenbrier River Trail is a short bike ride from the house and if you don't have your own, there's a rental/shuttle service in town at the one and only traffic light. We have ridden in October and saw a couple of bears on the ride. We also rode in the spring and didn't see any but Ann said she saw one while walking the trail with their baby. No issues with them though. I def want to visit again but we've had a couple of health issue that put our Wanders (and waders) on hold.

First time fly fisher person, here, and boy was I surprised how much I enjoyed fly fishing…read more Setting is perfect, the Lodge along Knapps Creek, is spacious and comfortable. Excellent morning coffee! Anne took me out and taught me some basics and before long, I was in waders and in Knapps Creek fishing. Caught my very first trout! Highly recommended excursion. You will be welcome and well-cared for.

Great place to trout fish, owners are great people very knowledgeable. Hospitality is great, fish…read moreis great grilled or smoked. Lodgings are wonderful. A must see if in the area

From the owner: Lodging and Fishingread more

The campground is rustic, and tucked away into a forest. It is far away from any freeway or…read morecivilization and is peacefully quiet. There is no ambient light here so the stars put on quite a show each evening. Each site has a fire pit and a picnic table. All spaces are graveled drives. It does have a swimming pool, a catch and release pond a swimming pond and a creek running through the property. It also has a general store selling high priced items like sodas, beer, ice cream, hamburgers, canned goods and kitsch. It is situated next to Jefferson State Park, accessed by a 1.5 mile narrow (barely two-lane) road. We were assigned to a shady pull through with water and electric. However no WiFi , no TV reception and no cable. The bathhouses and showers are tired and need some help. The toilets themselves are clean, but the floor is unfinished cement, painting is definitely needed, one of the three showers had no shower head, only a pipe, and the grout in the ceramic tiles on the walls and floors were dirty. Quite a few full time RVers have made this their permanent home. So far, the only bugs we've encountered are gnats and bees. No mosquitoes which is a good thing. Lots of hummingbirds as well.

We have been camping at Middle Creek for 7 years now. This past weekend we camped and once again,…read morewe were not disappointed. Susan and her Family work hard to keep everything maintained and keep that down to earth feel. I highly recommend staying here.

Close to a college town, this rail to trail is long, relatively unimpeded, and offers river views…read more There were multiple parking lots at what is currently the south end of the trail, as well as signage indicating that some of the railway had been sold to buyers who were not part of the trail, so it kind of starts midway along the rail line. Regardless, it is a longer trail than I had time for and the part I completed was easily worthwhile.

Southern end -…read more Good surface. RR wide. Some restrooms Only problem is trail maps are mis-leading. Caldwell is beginning but is MP 3, not 1 Easy access - well signed Few road crossings

Just back after an AMAZING stay at the gorgeous Montebello Camping and Fishing Resort. Private,…read morespacious and quiet camp sites with easy access to the lake, general store, etc. Their Check-In Team was most assistive with providing us directions to the Campground; and their Host Team of Rick and Fay were very friendly and went over the top to assist us. We fished the large pond and there's kayaks and paddle boats available as well. Would definately stay there again!

Gorgeous place to spend a night or two while exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway. The historic…read moregeneral store is charming and filled with basics and a tasteful collection of gourmet food and gift items. The campground is beautiful and fairly well maintained. Not as clean as some of the others we visited, but not bad. If you're looking to disconnect, this is the place because you'll have zero cell or internet service.